Ubuild4theRebuild

The Salvation Army runs a programme that trains unemployed Christchurch people to gain work in the reconstruction of the quake-damaged city.

There is a 98 per cent attendance rate, and 83 per cent of trainees have secured employment as a result of the course.

The initial focus of the programme – U Build 4 The Rebuild – is to provide workers with entry-level qualifications for roading and underground infrastructure work. As the building of homes and commercial buildings gains pace, The Salvation Army will look at providing training programmes for the building industry.

The programme runs in partnership with the Infrastructure Industry Training Organisation, Infratrain, which estimates a need for 1500 infrastructure workers in the next two years. Infrastructure repairs and rebuilding is expected to take the next five to seven years.

U Build 4 the Rebuild Project manager Robyn Laurenson says the programme provides career opportunities for those made redundant through the closure of quake-affected businesses and for the longer-term unemployed.

The vertical building course:

Having successfully developed an exciting industry proven course with Infratrain U build 4 the Rebuild is now offering a construction course opening the doors of opportunity further. The vertical rebuild is not just about building and restoring homes and businesses but also landscaping, fencing, all requiring skilled workers.

This free, seven week course run by the Salvation Army Education and Employment will help you gain industry-related Unit Standards and help you launch a new career and find a job.